How Many Official Public Holidays Are There in Thailand in 2025?

Jenny Lee November 14, 2024 | 09:09

Thailand will have a total of 21 official public holidays in 2025, following a recent cabinet decision to introduce additional holidays aimed at boosting tourism and stimulating the economy. These holidays include both traditional celebrations and strategic long weekends to encourage domestic travel and spending.

Extra Public Holidays in 2025

The Thai government has added two new public holidays to the 2025 calendar:

Monday, June 2
- Adjacent to the Queen's Birthday holiday on June 3, this creates a four-day weekend.
Monday, August 11
- Adjacent to Mother's Day on August 12, another four-day weekend is created.

These long weekends are expected to support local tourism by giving citizens and visitors more time to travel and participate in festive activities.

Key Highlights of the Public Holiday Calendar

Traditional Holidays: Thailand retains important holidays such as Songkran (Thai New Year) in April and Loy Krathong in November.
Economic Boost: By introducing extended breaks, the government aims to revive and strengthen tourism, which is a significant pillar of Thailand's economy.

Extended New Year Break for 2026

To further encourage economic growth, the cabinet has also declared Friday, January 2, 2026 as an official public holiday. This decision will extend the New Year celebration to a five-day break from December 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

Learn more: Thailand Calendar in 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays, Observances And Celebratio

List of Official Public Holidays in Thailand 2025

Full List of Official Public Holidays in Thailand in 2025

Here’s a complete list of the 21 public holidays in Thailand for 2025, including the newly added holidays, along with their significance and related activities.

1. New Year’s Day

Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
Significance: Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
Activities: Celebrations include fireworks, parties, and merit-making at temples.
Status: Government offices, schools, and banks are closed.

2. Makha Bucha Day

Date: February 11, 2025 (Tuesday)
Significance: Buddhist holiday commemorating the Buddha’s teachings.
Activities: Candlelight processions, temple visits, and acts of merit.
Status: Religious holiday; public institutions are closed.

3. Chakri Memorial Day

Date: April 6, 2025 (Sunday, observed on April 7, Monday)
Significance: Honors the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty.
Activities: Official ceremonies and tributes to past kings.
Status: Public holiday, observed on the following Monday if it falls on a weekend.

4. Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

Dates: April 13–15, 2025 (Sunday to Tuesday)
Significance: Traditional Thai New Year celebration.
Activities: Water fights, merit-making, and family reunions.
Status: Nationwide holiday, extended with an observed day if overlapping weekends.

5. Labor Day

Date: May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
Significance: Recognizes workers' contributions.
Activities: Parades, rallies, and time off for workers.
Status: Public holiday; government offices are closed, but private businesses may operate.

6. Coronation Day

Date: May 5, 2025 (Monday)
Significance: Celebrates the coronation of the reigning monarch.
Activities: Official ceremonies and tributes to the King.
Status: National holiday.

7. Additional Holiday

Date: June 2, 2025 (Monday)
Significance: Creates a long weekend with the Queen’s Birthday.
Status: Boosts domestic travel and tourism.

8. Queen Suthida's Birthday

Date: June 3, 2025 (Tuesday)
Significance: Honors the birthday of Queen Suthida.
Activities: Ceremonial tributes and national celebrations.
Status: Public holiday.

9. Asalha Bucha Day

Date: July 20, 2025 (Sunday, observed on July 21, Monday)
Significance: Commemorates the Buddha's first sermon.
Activities: Religious ceremonies at temples.
Status: Religious holiday.

10. Buddhist Lent Day

Date: July 21, 2025 (Monday)
Significance: Marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent.
Activities: Merit-making, candle processions, and temple visits.
Status: Religious holiday.

11. Additional Holiday

Date: August 11, 2025 (Monday)
Significance: Creates a long weekend with Mother’s Day.
Status: Promotes tourism and economic activity.

12. Mother’s Day (HM Queen Sirikit's Birthday)

Date: August 12, 2025 (Tuesday)
Significance: Celebrates the birthday of Queen Sirikit and honors mothers nationwide.
Activities: Family gatherings and official tributes.
Status: Public holiday.

13. King Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday

Date: July 28, 2025 (Monday)
Significance: Honors the birthday of the current King.
Activities: Public ceremonies and tributes.
Status: National holiday.

14. Chulalongkorn Day

Date: October 23, 2025 (Thursday)
Significance: Commemorates the reign of King Rama V.
Activities: Wreath-laying ceremonies and public events.
Status: Public holiday.

15. Loy Krathong Festival

Date: November 11, 2025 (Tuesday)**
Significance: Cultural festival celebrating water spirits.
Activities: Floating krathongs (decorative baskets) on rivers and lakes.
Status: Not a public holiday but widely celebrated.

Learn more: Loy Krathong Festival - Origin, Significance, And Celebrations Across Thailand

16. King Bhumibol Memorial Day

Date: December 5, 2025 (Friday)
Significance: Honors the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and celebrates Father’s Day.
Activities: Public tributes and family gatherings.
Status: Public holiday.

17. Constitution Day

Date: December 10, 2025 (Wednesday)
Significance: Marks the adoption of Thailand's first permanent constitution.
Activities: Ceremonial events and public discussions.
Status: National holiday.

18. New Year’s Eve

Date: December 31, 2025 (Wednesday)
Significance: Celebrates the end of the calendar year.
Activities: Fireworks, countdown events, and parties.
Status: Nationwide holiday.

19. Extended New Year Break

Date: January 2, 2026 (Friday)
Significance: Additional holiday stretching New Year’s celebrations into a five-day break (Dec 31 – Jan 4).
Status: Approved to boost domestic tourism and travel.

Summary of Public Holidays in 2025:

Total: 21 holidays.
New Additions: June 2 and August 11 for long weekends.
Extended Breaks: Songkran and New Year.
Key Focus: Promote cultural heritage and economic recovery through extended holidays

Conclusion

Thailand's public holiday calendar for 2025 reflects a balanced combination of traditional, religious, and economic considerations. With a total of 21 public holidays, including newly added long weekends, the government aims to boost tourism and economic activity while preserving the nation’s cultural and religious values. These holidays provide opportunities for citizens to celebrate, relax, and travel, while also allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Thailand's vibrant traditions and festivities. Planning around these dates is crucial for businesses, travelers, and locals to maximize the benefits of these well-spaced holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many public holidays are there in Thailand in 2025?

There are 21 public holidays in Thailand in 2025, including traditional, religious, and newly added holidays.

2. What are the new holidays added for 2025?

The cabinet approved two new holidays:

June 2, 2025 (Monday): Creates a four-day weekend with the Queen’s Birthday on June 3.
August 11, 2025 (Monday): Creates a four-day weekend with Mother’s Day on August 12.

3. Are all public holidays observed nationwide?

Yes, all public holidays are observed nationwide. However, some regions may celebrate additional local holidays depending on cultural or religious practices.

4. Are businesses and government offices closed on public holidays?

Government offices, banks, and schools are typically closed on public holidays. Some businesses, especially those in retail, tourism, and hospitality, remain open to serve the increased demand.

5. How do the long weekends benefit Thailand?

The long weekends encourage domestic travel, boosting tourism-related businesses and contributing to the overall economy.

6. What is the significance of long holidays like Songkran and New Year’s Eve?

These holidays are key periods for family reunions, cultural celebrations, and travel. They are also significant for businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

7. Are there any changes to weekends due to holidays?

Thailand often implements “holiday swaps,” where weekdays are declared holidays, and some weekends may be designated as working days to compensate. This ensures continuity of operations while maximizing long weekends.

8. What are the best times for tourists to visit Thailand during the holidays?

Tourists often enjoy:

Songkran Festival (April 13–15): A unique celebration with water fights and cultural festivities.
Loy Krathong (November 11): A beautiful festival with floating lanterns and cultural events.
New Year’s Eve (December 31): Vibrant countdown parties and fireworks.

9. How does the extended New Year break affect travel plans?

The five-day New Year break (December 31, 2025 – January 4, 2026) will likely increase travel demand. Travelers are advised to book transportation and accommodations well in advance.

Top 10 Largest Companies In Thailand By Market Cap (2024 Update)

Thailand has made extraordinary progress in social and economic development during the last four decades, rising from a low-income to an upper-middle-income country in less ...